Virginia Silicosis Lawyer

Virginia Silicosis Attorney

For those who have dedicated their lives to putting food on the table, a diagnosis like silicosis can be devastating. Sometimes fatal, this deadly respiratory disease has no cure and can leave its victims with long-term disabilities. If you are facing a silicosis diagnosis, a Virginia silicosis lawyer can help.

At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we are committed to representing workers in Virginia who have suffered from exposure to crystalline silica dust, a hazardous substance commonly linked to industries that focus on stone fabrication, construction, and manufacturing.

Silicosis is a devastating lung disease that is caused by inhaling silica particles during processes like cutting, polishing, and grinding certain materials (for example, engineered stone countertops).

If you or someone you know has been exposed to this harmful substance, you may be entitled to legal recourse through toxic exposure litigation.

Understanding Silicosis and Crystalline Silica Dust

Crystalline silica dust is a byproduct of processes that involve materials like quartz, granite, and engineered stone. Workers in some Virginian industries often face prolonged exposure to this toxic substance while handling and shaping stone products. Over time, breathing in these fine particles can lead to silicosis, a progressive and irreversible lung condition.

The disease often develops in workers who engage in activities such as:

• Grinding or cutting engineered stone countertops.
• Polishing materials during fabrication.
• Using tools to shape or modify stone products.

The companies that produce and utilize these materials often fail to implement adequate safety measures, leaving workers unprotected. Employers may also neglect to provide proper ventilation systems, personal protective equipment (PPE), or dust containment procedures, further increasing the risk of exposure — and irreversible harm.

Industries in Virginia Affected by Crystalline Silica Dust

In Virginia, certain industries are especially prone to the dangers of silica exposure. Engineered stone fabricators and countertop manufacturers in urban and industrial areas like Richmond, Roanoke, and Norfolk often require workers to handle silica-rich materials on a daily basis. Construction companies, metal foundries, and manufacturing plants also rely heavily on processes that generate fine silica dust.

Workers most at risk include:

• Stone fabricators who handle engineered countertops.
• Construction laborers who are exposed to airborne dust at job sites.
• Manufacturers who grind or sand silica-containing materials.
• Sandblasting professionals in industries that require them to treat certain surface materials.

Notably, companies utilizing artificial stone countertops or other engineered products bear a responsibility to protect their workers from exposure and are subject to screening by the EPA. Unfortunately, many fail to meet industry safety standards, leaving employees vulnerable to developing silicosis.

Health Risks Associated With Silicosis

Silicosis is a debilitating condition with severe health consequences, but worse, it’s preventable. When inhaled, crystalline silica dust embeds in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring.

The disease typically progresses in stages, with symptoms worsening over time:

• Chronic silicosis develops after years of low-level exposure, leading to a persistent cough and breathing difficulties.
• Accelerated silicosis occurs with intense exposure over a shorter timeframe, often seen in workers who cut or polish engineered stone.
• Acute silicosis can emerge within months of heavy exposure, causing rapid lung damage and even respiratory failure.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath.
• Chronic coughing.
• Fatigue and chest pain.

Left untreated, silicosis can lead to complications like lung infections, respiratory failure, and an increased risk of tuberculosis and lung cancer.

Steps to Take if You’ve Been Exposed

If you believe that you’ve been exposed to crystalline silica dust in Virginia, taking immediate action is critical. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek medical attention. Get a proper diagnosis to confirm exposure-related health conditions.
2. Document your work history. Keep detailed records of jobs where you encountered silica dust.
3. Consult an attorney. An experienced legal team can help you understand your options and take appropriate steps.

How Wallace & Graham, P.A., Can Help

For decades, Wallace & Graham, P.A., has been fighting for the rights of workers who have been exposed to hazardous substances. We understand the devastating toll toxic exposure litigation can take on victims and their families, but our experienced team thoroughly investigates every case to hold negligent employers, manufacturers, and contractors accountable for their role in endangering workers’ health.

Victims of silica exposure may be entitled to compensation through toxic exposure litigation, and claims can address damages like:

• Medical expenses for diagnosis and treatment of silicosis.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering resulting from the disease.
• Future medical care and ongoing treatment costs.

Our firm works to build strong cases by gathering evidence of exposure, consulting medical experts, and identifying negligent parties. By pursuing legal action, victims can bring attention to unsafe practices while obtaining the resources they need for recovery.

Virginia Silicosis Law FAQs

Q: Can I File a Claim for Silicosis if I’ve Already Been Diagnosed With Another Lung Condition?

A: Yes, you can file a claim for silicosis even if you have been diagnosed with another lung condition. It’s crucial to prove that silicosis was caused by exposure to crystalline silica dust in the workplace, regardless of other respiratory issues. Our experienced attorneys can help identify the cause and gather the evidence you need to pursue your case.

Q: What if I Don’t Have a Clear Exposure History to Crystalline Silica Dust?

A: Even if your exposure history isn’t clear, there are legal avenues that we can explore. A thorough investigation by our time can uncover evidence of exposure at your workplace and establish a link. Expert testimony from industrial hygienists and medical professionals can help establish a connection between your illness and silica exposure, even in the absence of a direct record.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for Silicosis in Virginia?

A: In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a silicosis lawsuit is typically two years from the date of diagnosis or when symptoms first appear. However, exceptions may apply depending on the specifics of your case. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines.

Q: Can I Still Pursue a Claim if My Employer Is No Longer in Business?

A: Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if the company responsible for your exposure is no longer in business. If the company has gone bankrupt or closed, a trust fund, insurance policy, or other entities may still be available to provide compensation. After a thorough review of your case, our legal team can help identify all appropriate avenues for your claim.

If you or someone you know has been harmed by silica exposure, contact Wallace & Graham, P.A., for compassionate legal assistance. Our team is dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring that workers in Virginia receive the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and together, we can bring your employer to justice.